Albert Kyles Memorial Bike Run Presented

Albert Kyles was a highly regarded and inspirational Killybegs man who's untimely passing last December left family, friends, the town of Killybegs and everyone who knew him, shocked and stunned.
Albert, an extremly fit and active member of the community and one of 7 brothers was an avid hill walker, in fact he often trekked the hill behind his home in Meenavalley, each time carrying up a stone to place on what was to become a cairn. In fact he had told his girlfriend Alisha that when his time came he wanted his ashes to be scattered at this special place . His wishes were honoured.
A cool, calm and collected man who owned a thriving fish delivery business, Albert also held a Black Belt in Judo and, ran his own Judo club. With a passion for classic cars and bikes he had over the years organized and involved himself in classic car and bike runs helping and supporting many local charities. A charity particulary close to his heart was Blood Bikes Northwest which he would have eventually become a volunteer Blood Bike Rider for himself.
It was with this in mind that his brother Peter thought a fitting way to celebrate his brother's life and memory would be to organize a bike run, giving his buddies from the biking community an opportunity to pay tribute to their friend and help raise vital funds for Blood Bikes Northwest. Blood Bikes North West are a voluntary group of local motorbike enthusiasts in Donegal aiming to provide a urgently needed support to the Health Service in the local area. They are now officially on call to the HSE.
They transport necessary medical items, such as Blood, Drugs, Human Tissue, Breast Milk and any other medical requirements that can be transported via motorbike between Hospitals, Clinics and Blood Transfusion Banks. On Sunday 7th October, in the short space of 2 weeks Peter had all under control. 49 registered bikers and others who wanted to join in lined up to complete the course from Killybegs-Carrick-Ardara-Kilclooney-Glenties-Frosses and Dunkineely.
It was a cold, bleak, wet and windy day but no one was deterred. As the riders lined up, Edward, Albert's brother sprinkled some of his ashes at the start line at Killybegs Harbour so that Albert could 'accompany' them on the run. Riding pillion behind family friend Marty Portis was T.J., Albert's beloved 11 year old son. Decked out in his biker gear T.J. completed the trip which most certainly would have made did his dad so proud.
Alisha, who had just passed her full motorbike test also braved the weather to be a part of the bike run. A tea and sandwich pitstop was appropriately made at the Dolmen Center Kilclooney where Albert ran his Judo Club and, a special thanks must go to The Dolmen Center and Nicole and Melissa who made the sandwiches. Overwhelmed by the generosity of the many people who held Albert is such high esteem, his family and friends raised a grand total of E2,695.00. All from bike registration, donations and sponsored raffle prizes from local companies.
On Sunday 20th October in The Tara Hotel Killybegs a cheque for E2,695.00 was presented to Bernard mc Dyre on behalf of Blood Bikes Northwest, by Albert's son T.J. The family of Albert Kyles wish to sincerely thank everyone who helped in any way with the bike run. The success of the event was testiment to how loved and respected Albert was and how sadly he is missed. For more information or, to make a donation to Blood Bikes Northwest contact Tel: 087 2310897 Email: bloodbikenorthwest@gmail.com

I would like to thank are the staff and management of the Tara Hotel and Brendan Magee and Jack O Callaghan from blood bikes east who came from Dublin to support us Thank the Weasel for designing the posters